Back at E3 2006, Bill Gates took the stage during Microsoft’s pre-show press conference to reveal the idea behind Live Anywhere, a service that would bring gamers together like never before by allowing seamless integration of stat tracking, messaging and friends management not just on Xbox 360s, but on PCs and mobile phones, as well. The announcement of Shadowrun only improved the service when it was revealed that owners of the PC and Xbox 360 versions would be able to play against each other online.
Today, Microsoft detailed the service that is going to make that all possible. Titled Games for Windows – Live, the PC extension of the Xbox Live community will look and operate nearly identically to the Xbox 360 service. Beginning on May 8, gamers with Windows Vista can begin to build an extensive list of friends, send text and voice messages, and rack up achievement points, Xbox 360 style.
“Five years ago, we began building a service that now defines the bar for online gameplay,†said Peter Moore, corporate vice president, Interactive Entertainment Business, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “The benefit of expanding Xbox LIVE to Games for Windows titles is twofold: We’re bringing together two communities that share a passion for playing online games, and we’re enhancing the online experience for PC gamers who have long desired seamless game and voice connectivity — it’s a win for everyone.â€
Games for Windows – Live isn’t a while new service but an extension of the existing Xbox Live service, and as such, a single account will give users access to all the features on their PC and Xbox 360 console. Microsoft is also sticking to the same pricing plan for the Games for Windows portion of Live that Xbox 360 owners have grown used to, with free Silver memberships offering some of the features while a more feature-filled Gold subscription will set players back $49.99 per year. The differences between the two plans are seen below:
Silver Membership Features
Gold Membership Features
The first game to support Games for Windows – Live features is Halo 2, which will release for Windows Vista alongside the service’s launch on May 8. The following month, Xbox Live Gold subscribers can begin waging the cross-platform war when Shadowrun is released simultaneously on Xbox 360 and Windows Vista. Later this year, Microsoft will release the Xbox Live Arcade hit Uno for Windows Vista, also bringing the two platforms together for cross-platform play.
AMN will have more as details become available, so stay tuned.
